Obedience to the Gospel

Obedience and Disobedience

Bible Passages: John 3:36, 2 Thessalonians 1:6–8, 1 Peter 2:7–8, Acts 6:7, Romans 1:5, Romans 16:26, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 4:17, Acts 16:30–31, John 14:15

Belief and Consequence

Truth or Consequences is a town in New Mexico. It’s a real place. Many people live there.

John 3:36 NASB “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

John 3:36 NKJV “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.””

The NASB translates “believe the Son”, “obey the Son”.

In context what does this mean? Does this link obedience with salvation? What are the consequences of disobedience?

Many have taken this to mean some obedience is necessary to salvation. In addition to faith many things have over the years been added to the gospel. Rituals, giving, baptism, confessions, coming forward, praying…. the list goes on.

Is the gospel something to be obeyed?

To believe in the Son is eternal life. That is the gospel. The opposite has consequences.

To not believe, to not obey the word is in Greek ἀπειθέω apeitheo (ἀ neg - peitho persuaded or convinced, we would say unconvinced) towards God, His ordinances, or His revelation. Not convinced that there is truth in the gospel means one would still be facing the consequence.

2 Thessalonians 1:6–8 says, “since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.

What does it mean to “obey the gospel”?

Acts 16:30–31 “And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.””

According to Paul’s reply to the jailer obedience means believe. (see Jn 6:28-29)

Believing has consequences as does the disobedience of unbelief.

1. Stumbling Blocks

1 Peter 2:7–8 “Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.”

Honor the word of grace

Ro 14:13 “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.”

1 Cor 8:9 “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.”

Lk 17:1-2 “Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.”

Don’t be the cause of someones disobedience. Either by liberty or sin.

Jesus is the crux - the head and most important point.

1 Peter 3:1 “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,”

1 Peter 3:7 “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”

2. Faithful Witness

Acts 6:7 “Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

Romans 1:5 “Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,”

Romans 10:2 “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.”

Titus 2:11–12 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,”

The teaching of grace we will look at while studying the Mysteries of the Finished Work Life.

Logos Digital Hymnal Trust and Obey

Trust and Obey

Author: Rev. John H. Sammis

Composer: Daniel B. Towner

D.L. Moody meeting Brockton MA 1887

Scripture:

Purifying Effect

1 Peter 1:22 “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,”

1 Peter 2:7 “Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,””

Accountability in Judgment

1 Peter 4:17 “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?”

Not a judgement to lake of fire but of avoiding the chastisement of the Lord.